Can’t-miss prospect can make history if Spurs pull trigger on draft night

There's never been an NBA team to field three Rookie of the Year winners in consecutive years, but San Antonio has a chance to change that. After adding Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle to the roster, they find themselves with two more lottery picks in one of the deepest drafts in years. That opens the door for the Spurs to make history.

There are several prospects who can help this team improve next season because they have so many needs. SA needs shooters, big men, wings who can defend and shoot, and a backup point guard. While I still believe that Kon Knueppel is the best fit for the Spurs, drafting Tre Johnson would be a splash move that could result in another Rookie of the Year trophy.

Tre Johnson's explosive offense would give him a shot

Johnson's biggest issue seems to be his fleeting defense, but reports also indicate he's a hard worker. If we're to believe that, he can be made into a serviceable defender with his measurables at 6'6" with a 6'10" wingspan.

That decision would be the opposite of the recent trend of drafting guys who are somewhat challenged offensively in favor of a stronger defensive foundation. Unfortunately, that strategy hasn't necessarily worked out as one would hope. Devin Vassell was drafted in that mold, but his inconsistency on both sides of the floor last year left fans demoralized.

The Texas guard averaged 19.9 points per game while shooting 39.7% from three and displayed a clutch ability in big moments. He was only a freshman, so that's big. Johnson would undoubtedly come off the bench, and that will work against him in the race. The fact that this is a deep draft class with a lot of talented players, including one Cooper Flagg, will also be a hindrance to this possibility.

However, similar to the attention afforded to Castle during his rookie season due to the large number of eyes intent on watching Wembanyama play basketball, Johnson would benefit in the same way. As long as he applies himself and shows effort defensively, his talent would demand that he get time on the floor.

If he can consistently be the explosive player off the bench for a San Antonio Spurs team that makes the playoffs, he could earn himself a real shot at winning Rookie of the Year. Johnson is talented and would play the role of "instant offense" if added to the roster. Succeeding in a role like that as a rookie on a team that makes the postseason would give him a chance to make history.